Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco told the City Council on Wednesday that a criminal stole an idling Everett fire engine last weekend, an incident he called a “sentinel event” for the department and the wider fire service.

The theft occurred while the engine was parked at an emergency incident with lights on, DeMarco said. “Fire apparatus are left idling by design,” he said, explaining the vehicles function as mobile fire stations that require continuous power and complex systems. DeMarco said the perpetrator was able to release brakes, put the unit in gear and overcome an immobilization device at the wheels.

The theft interrupted a longstanding local practice, DeMarco said: “For the first time in a hundred and 33 years in the city of Everett, due to the actions of a criminal, that was not true last Friday.” He said investigators may learn the motive but that his confidence is high in the police department’s ability to question any suspect.

DeMarco described immediate and longer-term responses. A reserve engine was activated “immediately after the crash,” he said, and the department expects no gaps in emergency service while the damaged engine undergoes specialist evaluation. He cautioned that repairability and final costs will take time to determine. The chief also said two replacement engines recently ordered had arrived in Mount Vernon and are expected to enter service in August; three additional replacements are scheduled for delivery in 2028.

On security steps, DeMarco said the department implemented a series of temporary measures and is researching engineering options, but he declined to detail temporary tactics publicly. “Any effort to insert additional layers of protection in emergency vehicles adds to the risk of mechanical failure at a crucial moment,” he said, noting that apparatus cannot be treated like passenger vehicles.

Mayor Franklin and council members asked follow-up questions; Councilmember Bader asked whether theft of an emergency vehicle carries different criminal penalties than theft of a private vehicle. The city attorney said she would need to look into that question and did not provide an immediate legal interpretation at the meeting.

DeMarco said department personnel have attempted to contact affected property owners and that the department will mail notices where in-person contact was not possible. He emphasized service continuity and community reassurance: “If you call us, we will come no matter what.”

The council did not take formal action during the briefing. Investigative, repair and any potential legal proceedings will proceed outside the council meeting.